Hi All,
I'm considering joining SCBWI UK but I'm not sure how often I will be able to get to actual group meetings. I was just wondering if anyone knew how active the online critique circle thingy is? If joining would still be worthwhile?
Thanks for your input!
I'm not sure I entirely know what you mean. If you join the SCBWI, there is an online board similar to Absolute Write (but on a much, much smaller scale, obviously). On the boards there's a "manuscript exchange" section that is similar to Absolute Write's Share Your Work forum. It does seem to be very active, but mostly with picture book manuscripts. Personally, I prefer the Share Your Work section here at Absolute Write.
On the SCBWI boards, you can also post a request to join a critique group. However, if you join the Verla Kay Blue Boards (which is free), there's a section there dedicated to finding critique partners/groups.
Anyway, if you're only thinking of joining SCBWI to post your work for critiques, I wouldn't advise joining. You can post your work here at AW for critiques (and I think the critiquers here tend to be knowledgeable, thorough, and honest).
I am a member of SCBWI, and I love the organization. However, I attend my regional events and conferences. I do not use the SCBWI online boards, simply because I find AW and the Blue Boards to be more useful. So, if you're not going to attend any SCBWI-sponsored events, I wouldn't advise paying the fee to join.
Hope that helps.
Smish
ETA: I'm in the US, not the UK. So, it's possible things are a bit different.
